Bacosine isolated from aerial parts of Bacopa monnieri improves the neuronal dysfunction in Streptozotocin-induced diabetic neuropathy

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and apoptosis are implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy. The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of Bacopa monnieri on thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia, allodynia, motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) and oxidative-nitrosative stress in Streptozotocin-induced experimental diabetes. Diabetic rats developed neuropathy which was evident from a marked hyperalgesia and allodynia; reduced MNCV associated with increased formation of AGEs and ROS. Chronic treatment with B. monnieri alcohol extract (BA; 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) and Bacosine (BS; 5 and 10 mg/kg) for 30 days starting from the 60th day of STZ-administration significantly attenuated behavioral and biochemical changes associated with diabetic neuropathy. Present study suggested that BA and BS corrected hyperglycemia and partially reversed the pain response in diabetic rats through modulation of oxidative-nitrosative stress and reduction in AGEs formation in the diabetic rats and thus it may find clinical application to treat neuropathic pain in diabetic patients.